Police Arrest Suspect Using Pepper to Steal Bikes from Riders

Ekiti State Police have apprehended a suspect, identified as Bernard Shadrack, allegedly in the act of attempting to snatch a motorcycle from a commercial rider.

The arrest, carried out by officers from Oye Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with local residents, occurred on Thursday in the Trinity Hostel Area along Egbe Road, Oye Ekiti.

Commissioner of Police for Ekiti Command, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, on Saturday.

According to the statement, investigations revealed that Shadrack and an accomplice specialized in targeting motorcyclists within Oye-Ekiti.

Detailing the arrest, Akinwale explained, “They (the suspect and an accomplice) disguised as passengers en route to Trinity Hostel along Egbe Road. During the journey, they forcibly stopped the motorcycle and attacked the rider with dry grounded pepper and a hammer in an attempt to snatch the motorcycle. However, with the assistance of passers-by, the rider managed to subdue one of the suspects while the other escaped.”

Further investigations revealed that Shadrack had been involved in previous motorcycle thefts, with two commercial riders identifying him as part of a two-man gang responsible for previous incidents on April 2nd and April 22nd.

The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to his involvement in the crimes, disclosing that his fleeing accomplice was the leader of their illicit motorcycle-snatching operation.

Additionally, Shadrack admitted to both originating from Benin, Edo State, and commencing their unlawful activities in November 2023.

Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the remaining suspect, as the police continue their investigation into the matter.